Looking back: ‘Lighting up the city centre’

This week’s photographs from Chris Porsz are some evocative images of the city centre at Christmas time.
By Nigel Thornton
Published 30th Dec 2020, 20:10 BST
Updated 30th Dec 2020, 20:26 BST
A pre-pedestrianised Bridge Street illuminated by festive decorations.A pre-pedestrianised Bridge Street illuminated by festive decorations.
A pre-pedestrianised Bridge Street illuminated by festive decorations.

The first and second pictures are images of an almost deserted (and pre-pedestrianised) Bridge Street taken around 1980.

Who remembers the shops that used to grace the street?

Chris said: “ I can see Currys for TV rentals, Dorothy Perkins, Lavells newsagents and Foster Brothers. On the right is James Walker jewellers, Dolcis shoes, Timothy Whites – which, as kids, we loved because you went in that entrance and could exit on Cathedral Square or vice versa – Burtons, Peter Lords shoes and W H Smiths.”

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Another festive view of Bridge Street.Another festive view of Bridge Street.
Another festive view of Bridge Street.

The second image is taken further along. You can see Boots, Halfords, Marks & Sparks and Woolies.

The final picture was taken in Cathedral Square.

Chris said: “The decorations are coming down with Santas stacked by the underground toilet.

Access was impossible for the lady in the wheelchair. Who was the other lady?’’

Related topics:Chris PorszCurrys

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